Ben Key, the former head of the Royal Navy, has been stripped of his knighthood and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) following an investigation into an extramarital affair with a subordinate. Key was dismissed from his role as First Sea Lord last year after the relationship was brought to light by the husband of the female colleague involved. He is the most senior officer in the Navy's 500-year history to have experienced such a public censure.

Key, who is married with three children, had already been stripped of his admiral rank in the aftermath of the scandal. The subsequent honours forfeiture marks a further measure of official disapproval, removing the titles "Sir" and the postnominal letters KCB and CBE. The decision was made under the forfeiture process, which requires the monarch's approval based on recommendations from the honours committee and in consultation with military leadership.

A two-month inquiry found that Key’s conduct had fallen significantly short of the standards expected of Royal Navy personnel. Throughout his tenure, Key had promised to address "intolerable behaviour" within the force, particularly amid broader concerns over sexual misconduct and bullying in the armed services. In fact, the revelation of Key's affair came just weeks after three Navy commanders were stripped of their OBEs in related scandals.

In a statement, Key accepted the outcome of the honours review and acknowledged the importance of accountability for those in leadership positions. He expressed regret for his actions and their impact while highlighting his gratitude for the support of family and friends. When he stepped down, Key had described leading the Royal Navy as "one of the greatest privileges" of his career.

Key’s military career included his appointment as CBE in 2016 during his service as Fleet Commander, the Navy’s third-highest position. He further rose to prominence commanding joint operations during the withdrawal from Kabul before being knighted in 2021 upon assuming the First Sea Lord role.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, then head of the UK military, emphasized that the armed forces expect the highest standards of conduct from all personnel. He underscored that investigations into inappropriate behaviour will lead to robust consequences, regardless of rank.

Two months prior to his resignation, Key had publicly condemned inappropriate relationships in the military during a parliamentary defence committee meeting, committing to a culture where individuals are judged solely on professional conduct. It remains unclear whether the affair was ongoing at that time.

A Royal Navy spokesman reaffirmed the service’s commitment to upholding strict standards and the thorough investigation of any allegations of misconduct, stating that individuals found guilty will face serious repercussions, including potential honours withdrawal.